Reflections on My Research Class

Reflecting back on this course, I learned a great deal about how to conduct an action research project.  Through the videos, readings, searches, assignments, discussion board, and blogs, I gained a great deal of insight into what goes into an action research project.

While watching several videos, I was most impressed by the different practicing administrators giving their advice on conducting an action research project.  I thought it was great to hear from someone practicing in the field and getting their insight into research.  The advice I will remember most is making sure the action research project directly effects learning.  I thought this was great advice and I will make sure that any research I do in the future is directly related to student learning.

In my readings of both the Dana text and the Harris text, I learned how much thought and effort goes into conducting research and the different methods used to conduct an action research project.  I learned the difference between an action research project and traditional research.  Action research involves solving real life situations and issues that educators deal with today.  I am excited to use this process to make actual change in my school.

I have already begun searching different schools and the ways they deal with cell phones.  Several schools are already implementing the use of cell phones in the classroom.  I will be conducting my project on lowering discipline referrals and utilizing cell phone technology in the classrooms to improve the quality of instruction at Lawton High School.

Through the assignments, discussion board and blogs, I have now designed my action research project.  I know that this is only a blueprint and that it may change in the future. I have been getting positive feedback from my classmates on the discussion board.  Several of them are interested to see what my research discovers.  Some are utilizing cell phones in their classrooms now and will be interested to find out how they can use them in different ways.  Through the blog, I have been able to share my project with others.  I will continue to update my blog and gain others’ insight into my project.

My Action Research Project

Action Planning Template
Goal: Decrease the number of discipline referrals associated with student cell phones, and effectively use this technology to enhance instruction in the classroom at Lawton High School.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Survey all students in grades 10-12 at Lawton High School.  Determine the number of students with cell phones and number of students with cell phones with internet capability (smart phones).	Stacey Hunt 10-12 faculty at Lawton High School Jerri Manning-High School Principal	10-1/12-15	Survey forms	I will obtain 94% completion of survey from students 10-12 at Lawton High School
Research the number of discipline referrals given to students 10-12 at Lawton High School during the 09-10 school year.	Stacey Hunt Chad Boggs Joe Styron Victoria Robertson	10-1/12-15	Student aides Computer/technology	I will document the number of referrals by grade level
Research other schools and determine how they are using cell phones in the classroom to enhance instruction and limit discipline referrals.	Stacey Hunt	10-1/12-15	Computer/Technology Internet access	I will document other schools use of cell phones in the classroom
Analyze all Data to develop a plan of improvement in regards to cell phone use at Lawton High School	Stacey Hunt Jerri Manning Chad Boggs Joe Styron Victoria Robertson Gregg Pharriss Rick Mahaffey District Improvement Committee	10-1-11/5-15-12	Survey forms Computer/technology Articles from other schools	I will develop and recommend a policy to enhance instruction through the use of cell phones and lower the amount of referrals in regard to cell phone use by students.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

I'm Back

Ok, it's been a while, but I'm back.  I have decided on an Action Reseach Topic.  With the help of my School Site Supervisor, we have decided to reseach the use of cell phones by students at Lawton High School.  This will be a big project, so I will need the help of my colleagues.  I will post the plan shortly.  Any suggestions are welcomed.